Ministry of Defense clarified leave rules for military personnel: documents and deadlines
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has clarified what documents military personnel must have with them during leave, when it is necessary to register at the place of stay, and what actions to take if the return to the military unit is delayed.
The corresponding clarification was published on the Ministry of Defense website on October 20.
The agency emphasized that the basis for leave is the order of the commander of the military unit. Oral agreement or a submitted but not yet approved report does not give the serviceman the right to leave the place of service.
What documents are needed during leave
A serviceman must have with him:
- Serviceman identity document: military ID, officer's certificate, or electronic military registration document in the "Army+" app.
- Leave ticket: confirms the legality of being outside the garrison and is presented together with the identity document.
- Additional documents when traveling abroad: foreign passport and an extract from the commander's order with permission to leave.
From July 2026, the electronic military document in the "Army+" app has the same legal force as a paper military ID or officer's certificate. Its authenticity is verified using a QR code that automatically updates every three minutes.
However, internet access is required for verification. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense recommends taking paper documents as well in case of no connectivity.
In addition, if only the "Defender's Certificate" is displayed in the app, it does not replace the military registration document.
What to pay attention to before departure
Before departure, the serviceman must check the correctness of the leave ticket. It must indicate the type of leave, its start and end dates, duration, place of stay, as well as the date and place of return to service.
The document must contain correct personal data, military rank, signature of the authorized commander, and the unit's seal.
For annual basic leave or leave for family reasons, travel time within Ukraine is not included in the duration of rest. In addition, no more than two days one way may be provided additionally.
When a serviceman must register
Upon arrival at the place of leave, the serviceman is obliged to register no later than the next day. To do this, it is necessary to contact the relevant body of the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP) or the nearest territorial center of recruitment and social support.
If the place of stay is located more than 30 kilometers from the relevant VSP or TCC body, registration and deregistration may be arranged through a local self-government body.
A day before departure back to the military unit, it is necessary to deregister. Appropriate marks must be entered in the leave ticket.
The Ministry of Defense specifically emphasized that an electronic report through "Army+" does not cancel the obligation to draw up a leave ticket and follow the established registration procedure.
Peculiarities of leave abroad
Military personnel may spend leave outside Ukraine exclusively with the permission of the commander of the military unit.
In the report, it is necessary to indicate the dates of departure and return, the country and address of stay, transport and the intended border crossing point. A report for scheduled leave must be submitted no later than 15 calendar days before its start.
To cross the border, you will need a foreign passport, military ID or officer's certificate, a leave ticket of the established form, and an extract from the commander's order on permission to leave.
Actions in case of illness or delayed return
If a serviceman falls ill during leave, he must immediately notify the commander or the unit's duty officer. If necessary, one should seek medical assistance and obtain confirming documents.
In case of illness during annual basic leave, the commander may extend the leave by the number of days of illness or postpone the unused part to another period. The basis is a medical certificate certified by the head of the TCC and SP.
If the return is delayed for reasons beyond the serviceman's control, it is necessary to obtain a mark in the leave ticket or a certificate confirming the circumstances of the delay, and to inform the command.
The Ministry of Defense reminds that absence from service without valid reasons under martial law for more than three days may entail criminal liability under part 5 of Article 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
